Lift up prayers of concern and support for people and communities affected by the widespread destruction caused by wildfires in Australia. Pray for the thousands of people displaced from their homes, for volunteer firefighters and relief workers, for the healing of nature and for the response efforts of the Lutheran Church of Australia, local congregations and Lutheran Disaster Response.
Read MoreAs we enter this election year, we remember our call to conversation and prayer around our role as U.S. residents and as people of faith in ensuring our election systems promote dignity and respect for all.
We are called to act by speaking out as advocates and engaging in local efforts to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens. More info at: elca.org/Our-Work/Publicly-Engaged-Church/ELCAVotes
Read MoreMaybe Lent is a time when we look at the Gardens we are in, the safe places that have kept us whole, but are no longer nurturing us. Perhaps it is a time when we decide to risk expanding ourselves, risk stepping out of the Garden into the Wilderness, to see what can be learned in this mysterious, unfamiliar place.
Read MoreAsk for God’s wisdom and creativity in developing our congregations as communities of faith where people discover a sense of belonging, feel grounded in the word of God and the sacraments, find opportunities for faith- centered learning and service, and know they are connected to the greater body of Christ.
Read MoreWe live in the time of COVID-19.
Daily, sometimes hourly, we hear of more cases of the virus, more cancellations of events, more closing of schools.
This is a time of disruption. It is also a time to live and act as faithful people of God.
Read MoreWith the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States and around the world, congregations and houses of worship need to be well-informed and well-prepared. The ELCA and Grand Canyon Synod have created pages with information that offers guidance as we minister to and engage with each other, and within our communities, as the body of Christ. Visit elca.org/publichealth and gcsynod.org/coronavirus for more info.
Read MoreThis Lenten season we live in a time of pandemic. We also live in a time of rapid change. Coronavirus—ignoring the human boundaries of nation-states, class, culture, race, and religion—spreads with the exponential inevitability of a mathematical formula.
As we struggle to understand the virus and its effect on our daily lives, we also wonder how best to be church together. We are a church whose practices literally go hand-in-hand with sharing the virus.
Read MoreTime to plan for summer fun! "On Earth As in Heaven" is a free vacation Bible school study linking the Lord's Prayer to the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals through stories and activities related to hunger. Check out the guide’s sample schedules, music, skits, snacks and craft ideas — including a certificate to celebrate everyone’s participation in VBS! Download and order via the ELCA resources page.
Read MoreArizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) will be hosting a COVID-19 webinar for faith-based organizations and social services on Friday, March 13, 2020, 10-11 am. The purpose is to cover disease background, Arizona’s response activities, what we know, what you should do, and allow time for questions and answers. View this PDF brochure or the ADHS COVID-19 website.
Join the webinar online: Visit Azgov.webex.com, meeting number: 800 469 973, password: FAI2020
Or call (415) 655-0003, access code: 800 469 973
Here in the United States, our systems are on high alert and cities, health systems, and individuals are all preparing for possibilities presented by the coronavirus.
But in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Uganda that is not the case. Health systems are not prepared. Health workers are vulnerable. And families are at risk. That's why we need to speed up our response.
Read MoreHere’s the newsletter for March. As always, feel free to copy and share. A big welcome to our new assistant – Monty SES Esposito who is going to be helping us out with logistics, promotion, and art in the community.
Read MoreAsk for God’s wisdom and creativity in developing our congregations as communities of faith where people discover a sense of belonging, feel grounded in the word of God and the sacraments, find opportunities for faith- centered learning and service, and know they are connected to the greater body of Christ.
Read MoreLent is a time of introspection, and even penance, as we look forward with humble awe and deep gratitude to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
Lenten practices traditionally fall into three broad categories: justice toward God, justice toward oneself and justice toward others. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to meet these goals.
Read MoreOn February 24th, Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of rape and a lessor crime. He has been accused by over 80 women of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. While he is not the only powerful man to have such behavior exposed, he is a famous example and his accusers were instrumental in starting what we now call the #Metoo Era.
Read MoreHello! My name is Matthew Felbein and I am thrilled to be able to serve as one of the Gathering Hosts for the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis. This will be my second Gathering, and even though it is still about 450 days away (I might be counting already…) I couldn’t be more excited!
Read MoreWhen you want to give back to this church and the ministries that mean so much to you, the ELCA Foundation is here to help. View the video in this post to see how the Foundation can help you make a plan that achieves your unique financial and estate-planning goals.
The Foundation also assists congregations and its leaders with guidance, endowment investment opportunities, and more to help ensure that ELCA ministries are sustainable for years to come. Learn more and find your regional gift planner at ELCA.org/foundation.
Read MoreThroughout Lent, remember and give thanks that God is our ready source of help, protection, strength and life.
Read MoreSeven springs ago, I encountered for the first time the hymn Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil. “Lord, let my heart be good soil, open to the seed of your word,” we sang. “Lord, let my heart be good soil, where love can grow and peace is understood.”
The song came to mind again recently when I saw films about two people whose lives and work were good soil. Neither was Lutheran, but both embodied the core ideas of Hanson’s hymn: Henri J. M. Nouwen and Fred Rogers (aka Mister Rogers).
Read MoreThis Lent, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on Paul’s stormy journey to Rome and the Lord’s Supper. In her March column, she reminds us that our Lord’s holy meal is an act of faith, trust, love, strength for the journey, forgiveness and resistance—it’s an intimate communion with God and each other. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3cKxNIc and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2xnTn54.
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